How to become a gardener

Yagi Studio / Getty Images

Getting started is mostly a matter of confidence, says LaManda Joy, executive director of the Peterson Garden Project in Chicago, which has helped hundreds of people become gardeners in community gardens. Many people don’t start, she says, “because they’re afraid they’ll fail.” The best way to get over that is to plunge in. “You learn so much your first year,” Joy says. “I love to watch the second-year gardeners. They’re so much more sure of themselves.”

Getting started is mostly a matter of confidence, says LaManda Joy, executive director of the Peterson Garden Project in Chicago, which has helped hundreds of people become gardeners in community gardens. Many people don’t start, she says, “because they’re afraid they’ll fail.” The best way to get over that is to plunge in. “You learn so much your first year,” Joy says. “I love to watch the second-year gardeners. They’re so much more sure of themselves.” (Yagi Studio / Getty Images)

In addition to introducing you to the basics, a late winter or spring class is also a great way to meet other gardeners — both beginners and old hands. Pictured is a container class at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

In addition to introducing you to the basics, a late winter or spring class is also a great way to meet other gardeners — both beginners and old hands. Pictured is a container class at the Chicago Botanic Garden. (Chicago Botanic Garden)